The days after the solstice were filled with a warm, golden light. Summer had settled over the valley like a comfortable blanket, warm and familiar. The pack went about their daily routines with a contentment that had become the new normal. Elara found herself relaxing into it, allowing herself to simply be—mother, mate, leader, healer. The weight on her shoulders felt lighter. But peace, she had learned, was never quite as simple as it seemed. It started small. A visitor from the eastern packs—a young Alpha named Roran, handsome and confident, with eyes that lingered on Elara a moment too long
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